Senior Staff Engineer - Mission Analysis (Fighter Pilot)

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a leader in advanced unmanned aircraft systems and integrated mission technologies, is seeking a highly experienced and technically adept Senior Staff Engineer to join our Mission Analysis team in Poway, CA. This position is tailored for a former F-22 or F-35 fighter pilot with significant operational experience who will apply their expertise to concept development, operational planning, modeling and simulation, and strategic mission design. The ideal candidate will leverage their real-world fighter pilot experience to guide the development of advanced mission architectures and future operational concepts, ensuring GA-ASI's technologies remain at the forefront of defense innovation.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Mission Analysis & Strategic Planning
  • Lead mission analysis efforts by evaluating operational requirements, constraints, risk factors, and stakeholder guidance to develop actionable recommendations.
  • Translate fighter pilot expertise into formal operational planning artifacts, including mission statements, OV-1's, and ConOPS
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mission analysis insights inform system design and development.
• Modeling, Simulation, and Wargaming
  • Assist in the design, execution, and analysis of war games and simulations that explore advanced tactics, techniques, procedures (TTP), and future operational concepts.
  • Develop scenario-based simulations reflecting adversary capabilities, emerging threat systems, and realistic contested environments.
  • Utilize advanced modeling tools (e.g., AFSIM and Command Professional Edition) and data analytics platforms to interpret results and provide actionable insights.
• Systems Engineering & Mission Planning Tools
  • Provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) support for mission planning tools, sensor specifications, and planning relevant to F-22 and F-35 operations.
  • Collaborate with systems engineers and software developers to ensure mission planning systems meet operational needs and integrate seamlessly with advanced unmanned platforms.
  • Troubleshoot and validate mission data and system integrations to optimize operational performance.
• Operational Support & Doctrine Development
  • Use operational experience to refine or develop TTPs for employing advanced unmanned aircraft in contested environments.
  • Contribute to the development of ConOPS documents that shape future mission analysis planning.
  • Mentor and train less experienced analysts, ensuring tactical knowledge is translated into structured analysis and actionable recommendations.
• Leadership & Communication
  • Serve as a spokesperson and technical expert on mission analysis projects and programs, representing GA-ASI to senior internal and external stakeholders.
  • Develop and deliver high-impact briefings, reports, and white papers that summarize findings and influence strategic decisions.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to professional staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Identify opportunities to improve mission analysis processes, simulation workflows, and operational planning methodologies.
  • Incorporate lessons learned from exercises, operations, and debriefs to refine models and enhance mission planning capabilities.
  • Stay current on emerging threat systems, military doctrine, and technology trends to ensure GA-ASI maintains its competitive edge.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; fifteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, thirteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or ten or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Former F-22 or F-35 fighter pilot with significant operational experience (combat, training, or squadron operations).
• Demonstrated expertise in fighter tactics, sensor employment, mission planning, and weapons integration.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including briefings to senior leadership.
• Proven analytical skills in mission planning, risk assessment, operational design, and wargaming.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams (e.g., intelligence, systems engineering, operations).
• Preferred Experience:
  • Familiarity with mission planning tools or mission support systems.
  • Experience with modeling/simulation platforms (e.g., AFSIM, STK, or custom tools).
  • Proficiency in data analytics tools or scripting languages (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
  • Prior experience contributing to wargaming, concept development, or future operational environments.
  • Prior experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) integration relevant to Mission Engineering, Mission Analysis, and Mission Engineering Threads (MET).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) Top Secret clearance (SCI preferred).